Episode 10: How the 5 Second Rule Will Transform Your Day

So I have to know, have you ever heard of the 5 second rule? If not, you are in for a treat today! 

I first discovered the 5 second rule a few years ago when I was trying to figure out how to wake up earlier. I was teaching full-time and I wanted to take an online class. But as all busy moms know, there just ain’t no extra time for that. I had to make extra time! 

But whenever that alarm went off at 4am, the struggle was real. I just couldn’t convince myself to get my feet on the floor. Was I ever going to be able to make this habit stick? 

5 Second Rule Inspiration

Enter, Darren Hardy. Coincidentally, I was reading Darren Hardy’s book, The Compound Effect, around the same time. This little book is a landmine of profound content. In the book, Hardy references Mel Robbins’ TedTalk, The 5 Second Rule, and I knew I had to check it out. 

Surprisingly, the TedTalk was focused around the idea of not screwing yourself over (that’s literally the title). The 5 second rule didn’t come up until the end of the talk and mama, it was worth the wait!

What is the 5 Second Rule?

So here is the basic gist of the rule: whenever you are faced with something you don’t want to do, allow yourself to feel that way for 5 seconds as you count down. 5, 4, 3, 2, 1. When you get to 1, boom, do the thing. Get your feet on the floor. Press play on the workout. Launch yourself off the couch.

Whatever you’re putting off, give yourself 5 seconds to feel the procrastination, then get it done. 

That’s it. Yup, seriously. That’s the rule. And who would guess that this simple rule would have such an impact?

When to Use the 5 Second Rule

Honestly, you can use the 5 second rule whenever you feel that familiar feeling of dread. That moment you just don’t want to do something. The second your brain starts giving you lines about what you don’t want to do. 

Here are some ideas of when the 5 second rule might come into play in your life:

• When it’s time to stop scrolling on your phone
• Getting out of your car when you arrive at work in the morning
• Pressing play on your cardio workout
• Your kids are playing nicely (for once) and you have to tell them it’s time for bed
• When you need to start dinner, but the porch swing is just to comfortable

How To Use the 5 Second Rule with Kids

I originally used the 5 second rule to learn how to launch myself out of bed in the morning. And to be honest, I still do it today. 

However, one thing that I didn’t anticipate was that my kiddos would want to get in on the 5 second rule action too. One winter morning, my youngest and I were snuggling on the couch in the early morning. It was time to get up and get ready for school, but the blanket was just too tempting. 

Perhaps as my own form of procrastination, I decided to teach her the 5 second rule. She was so excited to learn something new and we counted down together: 5, 4, 3, 2, 1! We did it for a few mornings and now, totally unprompted, she’ll do it on her own when she notices that she doesn’t want to do something but knows she has to.

Is that a parenting win, or what? 

My favorite part about teaching this to your kids is it helps them to be self-aware. Children should be taught at an early age that not wanting to do something is a totally rational reaction. As adults, there are things that we don’t want to do all the time. This gives them a concrete strategy that they can use when they feel that feeling creep in and allows you to model an awesome perseverance strategy.

How I Used the Road Map Strategy To Make a Plan for My Photography Business

When I used the road map to make a plan for my photography business, I was SO tempted to put a timeline on it. I knew that I wanted to be done teaching in 2 years and I was desperate to push a deadline.

I resisted the urge and a few months later, the Covid shutdown happened. Thank goodness I didn’t push a deadline. Instead, I just kept my head down, working on my guideposts. The three that I focused on were: 

1. Update my pricing 
2. Begin to use a profit first accounting system so that I could ensure my profit
3. Continue to serve my current clients really well 

If I had pushed a deadline, I cringe to think of what would have happened. And guess what? I sent in my resignation letter in MAY of 2021. How’s that for the universe looking out for me?

Let’s Make a Plan!

Pick one area in your life that you’re going to use the 5 second rule on. Is it getting out of bed in the morning? Getting your workout done? Pick one area, and do your best to stick to it for a week.  

Be sure to subscribe on Spotify or YouTube so you don’t miss next week’s episode: Episode 11: Why You Need a Joy List. A joy list is my secret weapon that I recently discovered and I can’t recommend it enough! 

If you are new around here and haven’t already, be sure to give me a follow over on Instagram. On my stories this week, my daughter is super excited to share with you how she does the 5 second rule – be sure to check it out! 

Finally, be sure to subscribe to my email list to get weekly personal growth delivered right to your inbox – and because I know you’re busy mama, I promise it will include a meaningful action step that will take you 2 minutes or less to implement!

Thank you so much for being here, mama! Get back to doing your thing, rocking your world and remember – keep growing! Little eyes are watching. 

Did You Love This Episode?

If so, be sure to share it with a friend – this helps busy moms like you to find me!

And finally, you can also check out these related episodes that I think you’ll be obsessed with:

Top 5 Habits All Busy Moms Need

How to Find Time for Personal Growth as a Busy Mom

How a 99¢ Notebook Saved My Life